Sony has launched its intriguing affordable console, the PS Vita TV, in Japan.
The device is an incredibly compact (6 x 10cm) box that effectively plays PlayStation Vita handheld games, as well as a host of classic PlayStation and PlayStation 2 titles, on your television set via a standard DualShock 3 controller.
Interestingly, it also acts as an Apple TV-like media player, allowing you to stream HD video content through the appropriate apps.
The PS Vita TV was announced back at the beginning of September, prompting ears to prick up here in the west. Sony swiftly revealed that it had no plans to bring the PS Vita TV to Europe or the US, but a surprising level of interest from western media prompted Sony to admit the possibility of a wider launch at some point in the future.
Indeed, now that the PS Vita TV is out in Japan, we have to hope that Sony’s attention will turn to a western launch window - probably some time in the New Year, after its done launching the PS4 around the globe. According to comments made by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Masayasu Ito, a European version of the micro console could even include cloud gaming capabilities.
Another point to note from the PS Vita TV’s Japanese launch, according to Edge, is that certain PS Vita games don’t work on the device. In particular, major titles such as Killzone: Mercenary (arguably the first proper portable FPS) and Gravity Rush simply don’t work on the console.
This is because of their requirement for the PS Vita handheld’s unique touch and gyroscope inputs, which obviously the PS Vita TV’s DualShock 3 controller is unable to replicate. The console will support the PS4’s touchpad-equipped DualShock 4 controller at some point, so hopefully these big hitters will be supported through that.
Next, read our pick of the best games of 2013.
